International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) MSc

The University of Manchester

The International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) programme is one of three MSc Fashion Business programmes. Depending on your career aspirations and personal interests, we recommend that you also consider our MSc in International Fashion Retailing and our MSc in International Fashion Marketing.

On all these courses you will develop your skills for research, critical thinking, analysis, problem solving and effective communication in the context of fashion business.

International Fashion Marketing is a good option if you are interested in advertising, promotions, brand management and any other aspect of marketing. In contrast, International Fashion Retailing focuses more on retail, sales, and operations management. The further option is International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) which is similar to International Fashion Retailing but emphasises how change and innovation can be managed within organisations and is also designed for those who wish to start their own business. Please note: you should only apply for one of these Fashion courses.

The International Fashion Retailing (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) master's course is delivered jointly by the Department of Materials and the Masood Enterprise Centre in the Alliance Manchester Business School. This dynamic course considers the links between business strategy, the external environment and innovation which are vital for both established and start-up retail businesses in the global fashion industry.

The course will equip you with the essential tools and knowledge to help launch your career in fashion retailing. We use theoretical frameworks and real-world examples, driven by industry, to evaluate how successful fashion retail companies stay relevant and innovative. Find out how nascent entrepreneurial ventures can increase their chance of success in a fast-moving business environment and stay ahead of their competitors. You will also discover how entrepreneurial start-ups and established firms fit within their wider economic, social, political, technological and environmental context, helping you to better understand the landscape of the industry.

You will explore the impact of external factors on a firm's access to raw materials and knowledge , as well as gaining an understanding of its design process and interaction with consumer insights. You will also consider how changes in the external environment have provided positive opportunities, for example launching new creative and original firms and product ranges.

Crucial to the competitive success of fashion businesses is how companies recognise and respond to external opportunities and threats. Upon successful completion of the course you will understand these key factors and real-world issues that shape innovation in fashion retailing companies and will be equipped to implement what you've learnt in your future ventures and career. You will also develop valuable skills including team-working, leadership, negotiation and project management techniques.

This course is suitable for students from most academic backgrounds and equips graduates with the necessary management skills vital for a career in the fast-paced world of international fashion retailing.

Accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in order to progress to pharmacist pre-registration training and then to register as a pharmacist. Please note, the 5-year integrated MPharm degree programme includes pre-registration training.